Transport Canada is the federal government department responsible for transportation policies and programs. It promotes safe, secure, efficient and environmentally-responsible transportation.

Legal Status

(40) Federal Government

Funding

Federal

Service Information

Description

Transport Canada has authority over licensing/registration of vessels and proof of competency of operator.

PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSING / REGISTRATION (OF VESSEL):All pleasure craft fitted with one or more motors adding up to a total of 10hp (7.5 kW) or more, and primarily kept and maintained in Canada, are required to be licensed or registered * a copy of licence/registration must be carried on board

2) Vessel RegistrationYou may choose to register your boat instead of licensing * registration offers proof of ownership, and allows you to name your vessel * f you plan on taking your vessel outside Canada, Transport Canada recommends it be registered * payment of fee required. * if the craft is already registered, the vessel’s information can be found online* for more vessel registration information see here

PROOF OF COMPETENCY (OF OPERATOR)Everyone who operates a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency on board * required in all of Canada, except the waters of Nunavut and Northwest Territories * required for all types of motorized boats, no matter the size or horsepower of the engine (also includes small boats with electric motors).

Proof of competency can be any of the following:: * Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), obtained after passing an accredited boating safety test * Proof of having passed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999 * a specified marine certificate from the List of Certificates of Competency, Training Certificates and other Equivalencies accepted as Proof of Competency when Operating a Pleasure Craft * a completed rental-boat safety checklist (good only for the rental period) * for Foreign Visitors, an operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their own state or country. For more information, including list of accredited course providers for PCOC, see Transport Canada National Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program webpage